Primary School Places

Inspirational Teacher of the Year

We are very proud to announce that our very own Miss Stone has received The Times Educational Supplement’s Inspirational Teacher of the Year award.

Miss Stone was chosen ahead of five other nominees from all over the country in Friday's ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster, for the honour that celebrates exceptional teachers who capture the imagination of their students.

She said: “It feels absolutely incredible. I feel very proud to receive such a tremendous accolade as both at BDA and across the country there are so many teachers making the same impact everyday.”

The passionate geographer, who loves to travel, gave up her job as a trekking guide seven years ago to work closely with children and hasn’t looked back.

“I enjoy spending my day with children,” she said. “I enjoy the challenges that this brings. So much of our day is reacting to the things that they say and do, which is never boring.”

Miss Stone moved from Bristol in 2010 to fill the role of Head of Geography at BDA and has taught hundreds of students since - an experience she has enjoyed immensely.

She said: “I would just like to say thank you to all the staff and students at BDA who have been so supportive over the past three years, BDA is an incredible place to work and I feel very proud to be a part of it.”

Altan-Urel Purevdorj, a Sixth Form student, said that her conditional offer to study Geography at UCL is largely thanks to Miss Stone.

“The three years that she taught me were the most splendid years of my student career. She has been such an inspiration to me and has shaped me into a passionate geographer,” she said.

Miss Stone explained that her success as a teacher is mainly down to hard work and organisation.

“It’s important to make sure that you have planned exciting and challenging lessons, so that once you are in the classroom you can focus on the learning.

"I also think it is important to find ways to excite your students about your subject, to find the hook that makes them want to know more. Having a sense of humour is also very useful!”

Needless to say, we are extremely proud of Miss Stone’s wonderful achievement.